2014 Mindego Ridge Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., pH 3.32, TA 0.73, 805 cases, $48. Estate grown. Second vintage from a family owned and farmed 10-acre vineyard planted to 8.7 acres of Pinot Noir and 1.3 acres of Chardonnay at 700 to 950 feet elevation adjacent redwoods. Clones 114, 115, 667, 777, “828,” and 943. Harvest Brix 23.3º. 20% whole cluster, native fermentation, daily punch downs. After 2 weeks on skins, the wine is gently basket pressed to French oak barrels, 25% new and 75% neutral. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark purple color in the glass. Shy aromas initially of blackberry jam, cigar box, vanilla and spice, arriving with more exuberance when sampled from a previously opened bottle the following day. Impressive harmony in a middleweight styled wine with vivacious flavors of blueberry and blackberry brought to life with spry acidity, and an appealingly sensuous mouthfeel. There is a pervasive earthiness that gives the wine character as does the oak that plies the background in a good way. Score: 91. Reviewed April 19, 2017

Winery: Mindego Ridge Vineyard
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir